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Pricing Policy

Buy 2 Get 3rd Discounted: (1) Cancellation of discounted passenger must be made at least 7 days before departure. (2) No-show or late cancellation incurs a $525 penalty fee for the reserved bus seat.

Child rates: Child rates apply to those who are 0-12 years old. Child above 2 years must take the seat. Customers are welcome to use child safety seats on that have lap and/or shoulder belts/harnesses for the infant under 2 years.

To display prices, please mouse over the date on the calendar; the relevant cost-per-person will be displayed.

Itinerary

Houston - Baton Rouge - New Orleans (330 miles)

Our first stop of the day will be the Bayou Rum Distillery, the largest privately-owned rum distillery in the United States, where we will learn all about the distillation process from fermentation to bottling. After that, we will tour Baton Rouge, visiting the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the country, to ascend to the observation deck on the 27th floor. Next, we will head to our hotel for the night in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where guests can choose to rest for the remainder of the day or go out exploring. There are many live jazz bars around Bourbon Street, and the Café du Monde is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee. Be sure to sample the local cuisine at a restaurant and see Jackson Square.

Baton Rouge, LA

The capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana and its second-largest city. It forms the county seat of East Baton Rouge Parish and is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River.

Louisiana State Capitol

This incredible Art Deco-style building that dominates the skyline of the Louisiana capital. In addition to being the center of the state's government, the building is a National Historic Landmark and member of the Register of National Historic Places.

New Orleans, LA

The city known as the "Big Easy" is most famous for its colorful and exciting Mardi Gras celebration. Visitors will marvel at its distinctive Cajun culture and cuisine that is unlike anything else in the world.

French Quarter

The most famous area of New Orleans is also the oldest. Dating back to the city's founding in 1718, this National Historic Landmark district is known for its nightlife, restaurants, and celebrations. Its most famous locale is Bourbon Street.

Bourbon Street

Extending 13 blocks in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is the most famous thoroughfare in New Orleans, a top destination for generations of partygoers. It is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.

Jackson Square

This historic park in the French Quarter is home to the St. Louis Cathedral. It's history dates all the way back to 1721, when it was built by French colonists in the area.

Standard Hotel: Wingate by Wyndham Slidell/New Orleans East Area or equivalent

Day 2

New Orleans

Today we will also take the Mardi Gras World tour, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at how this famous event is built from the ground up. Besides we will tour Garden District on the bus, passing by Tulane University and Loyola University New Orlean. Then we will visit Oak Alley Plantation, a U.S. National Historic Landmark located west of New Orleans, and go on a swamp tour boat ride that showcases the unique ecosystem of the Louisiana bayou.

New Orleans, LA

The city known as the "Big Easy" is most famous for its colorful and exciting Mardi Gras celebration. Visitors will marvel at its distinctive Cajun culture and cuisine that is unlike anything else in the world.

Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World (also known as Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, MGW) is a tourist attraction located in New Orleans. Guests tour the 300,000 square foot working warehouse where floats are made for Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans.

Garden District

Once, the area of New Orleans' Garden District was covered exclusively by plantations. Because of its many affluent mansions and historic houses, it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Oak Alley Plantation

This historic plantation on the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana is a National Historic Landmark. In addition to its function as a museum, the Oak Alley Plantation has served as a set for films and TV shows.

Standard Hotel: Wingate by Wyndham Slidell/New Orleans East Area or equivalent

Day 3

New Orleans - Birmingham (312 miles)

Today, we will get to explore New Orleans. Our stops will include the French Quarter, Jackson Square, Royal Street, and the many antique stores and jazz bars on Bourbon Street. We will head to Birmingham, AL for the evening, where we will get to see Kelly Ingram Park.

New Orleans, LA

The city known as the "Big Easy" is most famous for its colorful and exciting Mardi Gras celebration. Visitors will marvel at its distinctive Cajun culture and cuisine that is unlike anything else in the world.

French Quarter

The most famous area of New Orleans is also the oldest. Dating back to the city's founding in 1718, this National Historic Landmark district is known for its nightlife, restaurants, and celebrations. Its most famous locale is Bourbon Street.

Royal Street

Royal Street, located one block from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the oldest streets in the city and famous for its antique shops, art galleries, and stately hotels. Described as the quintessential French Quarter street, Royal Street is also home to restaurants and cafes.

Bourbon Street

Extending 13 blocks in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is the most famous thoroughfare in New Orleans, a top destination for generations of partygoers. It is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.

Jackson Square

This historic park in the French Quarter is home to the St. Louis Cathedral. It's history dates all the way back to 1721, when it was built by French colonists in the area.

In the morning, we will explore Chattanooga, TN, heading up the slopes of Lookout Mountain and Rock City. Then, we'll drive through the Great Smoky Mountains, home to a variety of animals. Eventually, we will reach Gatlinburg, a charming mountain town with a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and hotels. Afterwards, we will continue to Pigeon Forge, TN to see the Dixie Stampede show, created by the famous country singer Dolly Parton.

Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga is the fourth-largest city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. A unique distinction for Chattanooga is the fact that the city has its own typeface, Chatype, which was launched in August 2012.

Lookout Mountain

This historic hilltop on the southern border of Tennessee has a colorful history as a place of importance during wartime. Most notably, it was the centerpiece of the Battle of Lookout Mountain during the American Civil War.

Rock City

Rock City is as famous for its aggressive mid-19th-century marketing campaigns as for its views and gardens. Still, Rock City does offer a lot to visitors: panoramic views, botanical gardens, and amazing rock formations are all features.

Great Smoky Mountains, TN

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee boasts impeccable views of that state's segment of the larger Appalachian Mountains. Come visit this impressive wilderness to ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.

Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg is a mountain resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee. The city is a popular vacation resort, as it rests on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along U.S. Route 441, which connects Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina through the national park.

Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge is a mountain resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States. Pigeon Forge is primarily a tourist destination. The city's attractions include Dollywood, numerous outlet malls, and music theaters.

Dolly Parton's Stampede

In 1988, the first Dixie Stampede opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just outside of Dollywood, Dolly Parton's theme park. The show is still going strong today, and has expanded to two other locations in the American South.

Knoxville - Berea - Lexington - Louisville (351 miles)

Today, we will stop by the Kentucky Artisan Center, which celebrates the state's charming local folk art. Later, we will arrive in Lexington to visit the Kentucky Horse Park. At noon we will head towards the Ark Encounter theme park. After that we will visit the historic Findley Market to enjoy local food for dinner.

Berea, KY

Berea, located in central Kentucky, is best known as being a cultural center for music, food, and arts festivals. It has a rich history with links to notable Appalachian writers, teachers, and artists.

Kentucky Artisan Center

This gallery is a 25,000 square foot complex where guests can shop, dine, and relax among artisan foods and goods through special exhibits. It is in an easy-to-find location about 40 miles south of Lexington.

Lexington, KY

Lexington, consolidated with Fayette County, is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 61st largest in the United States. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located on the Kentucky River in the heart of the state's Bluegrass region.

Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and an educational theme park opened in 1978 in Lexington, Kentucky. It is located off Kentucky State Highway 1973 and Interstate 75, at Exit 120, in northern Fayette County in the United States.

If Kentucky Horse Park closed, visitors would see the statue of champion horse and its championship career in front of the park.

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati is a city in the state of Ohio. Cincinnati is known for its large collection of historic architecture. Over-the-Rhine, a neighborhood just to the north of Downtown Cincinnati, boasts among the world's largest collections of Italianate architecture, rivaling similar neighborhoods in New York City, Vienna and Munich in size and scope.

Findlay Market

Findlay Market is the state's oldest continuously operated public market. It's a place for unique foods and good friends.

Standard Hotel: Clarion Hotel Conference Center Louisville North or Similar

Day 6

Louisville - Indianapolis - West Lafayette - Chicago (274 miles)

After seeing Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis from outside and Indy 500, we will travel to Lafayette to visit IPurdue University. We will reach Chicago later afternoon of the day.

Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis is the capital and the largest city in Indiana. Indianapolis hosts several notable sporting events annually, including the Brickyard 400, Grand Prix of Indianapolis, NFL Scouting Combine, the largest half marathon in the U.S., and the Indianapolis 500.

Indiana State Capitol

The Indiana Statehouse is the center of governmental function for the entire state of Indiana. This member of the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1878 and is an important historic and architectural building.

West Lafayette, IN

West Lafayette holds the distinction of being the most densely populated urban area in the state of Indiana and having the most culturally diverse population in the Midwest. It is home to Purdue University.

Purdue University

Named for business leader and philanthropist John Purdue, Purdue University consists of 6 campuses, the main location of which is situated in West Lafayette, Indiana. Notable highlights include the Purdo Mall, Memorial Mall, and South Campus, which offers visitors pristine lawns and a horticulture garden.

Standard Hotel: Best Western Plus O'Hare International South Hotel or equivalent

Day 7

Chicago

On this tour, guests will get to see the best of Chicago in one day. Today, we will take a walk in Millennium Park, where we will see a combination of stunning architecture, sculpture, and landscape design in the heart of downtown. There, we will see the famous Cloud Gate before taking a break at the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain. After that, we will stroll around the Navy Pier. Then, we will get an exclusive tour of the Chicago Theater, an exquisite French Baroque style building. Walking along Michigan Avenue, we will be strolling down the brilliant Magnificent Mile, where we will see the Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park, and the historical Chicago Water Tower. For the best view of the city, we will go to the top of 360 CHICAGO. Afterward, we will take a Architectural cruise to further admire the city's architecture (the cruise will be closed in winter).

Chicago, IL

Chicago is a city of color and history. The largest city in the American Midwest, it sits on Lake Michigan. It is home to one of the world's tallest buildings, the Willis Tower, and many other amazing activities.

Buckingham Fountain

Buckingham Fountain in Chicago's Grant Park is one of the largest fountains in the world and one of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions. It throws as much as 15,000 gallons of water into the air every minute.

Opening Hours: Apr 15 - Oct 31 8:00am - 11:00pm

Millennium Park

Located in Chicago's busy Loop area, Millennium Park was opened in 2004 and is a state-of-the-art park. The Pavilion and Great Lawn is now a popular spot to host concerts, and the iconic Cloud Gate is located in this park.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 6:00am - 11:00pm

Cloud Gate

This impressive and somewhat bizarre stainless steel sculpture is the focal point of AT&T Plaza in Chiago, Illinois' Millennium Park. Nicknamed "The Bean" due to its shape, it was constructed in 2006 and designed by British artist Anish Kapoor.

Navy Pier

Both a designated Chicago Landmark and a member of the US National Register of Historic Places, this is Chicago's most popular tourist spot. It is home to a small theme park and fairground, as well as a minigolf course.

Chicago Theater

In the busy Loop area of Chicago is the city's namesake theater with its iconic marquee, which has become an unofficial symbol of the city. It hosts performances of all kinds, including drama, comedy, dance, and more.

Michigan Avenue

Part of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue is one of the city's major roadways, running north-to-south through the heart of downtown. It is home to many famous buildings and upscale shops.

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute is the 2nd-largest art museum in the US after the Met in New York. It houses pieces by renowned painters such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne, as well as an extensive collection of African-American art.

360 Chicago

This observsation deck sits atop the John Hancock Tower in Chicago, providing exquisite aerial views of the city's skyline that you can't get anywhere else. The new LIFT feature extends out above the city below for an exhilirating experience.

Architectural Cruise

The Architectural Cruise of Chicago is a perfect way to view one of America's most formidable cities, all from the comfort of a boat leisurely sailing down the Chicago River, either during the day or at twilight.

Chicago City Helicopter Experience

The helicopter tour provides the most spectacular and unique views of the worldâ€™s best skyline. Amazing panoramas of the city, scenic waterfront, and historic landmarks await you from the optimal vantage point in the sky.

If you would like to join the optional activities, please pay the fee in cash to the tour guide. You cannot buy / use the tickets on your own or use City Passes. The tour guide will arrange the tickets for the group.

Meals and drinks unspecified during the trip.

A mandatory service fees: Minimum $10 / day / person should be paid in cash to tour guide and the bus driver as a service fee. Any child / Infant reserving a seat will have to pay the service fees as well. Ex: 2 people taking a 2-day tour would pay: $10 x 2 (seats) x 2 (days) = $40.

Policies

Confirmation

All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book the airline tickets until you received the confirmation.

Redemption

Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.

Terms & Condition

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.

Booking changes
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply. Please be noted that we do not allow departure change 48 hours before departure.

Cancellations and Cancellation Fees
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .

Tour Departure: This tour has 100% guaranteed departure; if the tour is cancelled there will be refund of 120%. Restrictions apply; due to weather conditions, State Emergencies, Airport Closures or anything beyond the control of the tour operator the 120% refund will NOT apply.

Cancellation penalties per person for tours last 5 or more days(Notification day and departure day are not counted)

Up to 46 days prior to departure - 10% of total purchase
amount.

21-45 days prior to departure - 25% of total purchase
amount.

8-20 days prior to departure - 50% of total purchase
amount.

1-7 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase
amount.

Day of departure or no show - 100% per person.

Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit
entire payment.

There is 6% handling fee add-on to the above
penalties.

NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of tour.

Itinerary Variations
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.

Tour Cancellation:
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour.. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.

We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.

Popular FAQs

We currently offer Buy 2 get 3rd Free promotion and the rate in the shopping cart has been adjusted automatically to reflect this discount. If you have 3 people sharing one room, when booking online, you need to enter 3 people so you will get three seats and one room. There's no difference for adult rate and child rate. If you have 4 people sharing one room, you will need to enter 4 people, so you will get 3rd one for free. Again, the price will be automatically adjusted.

Optional activities admission fee is not included in the tour price, but the tour guide will arrange activities for passengers during the tour. If passengers are interested in activities,they can pay cash directly to the tour guide on the tour.

When booking the tour online, under "Price a Trip, Book now", you will find an option - "Do you need to extend hotel stay?"
By clicking on "Yes" you can enter the date you need for extended hotel and decide the hotel option.

Meals are not included in the tour price but the tour guide will arrange meal stops. Normally the tour stops at shopping plaza or food court where passengers can see a few options and decide their own meals. For breakfast, if the hotel has complimentary service, the tour guide will inform passengers upon check-in.

The places where we make stops for meals have different variety of food selections including vegetarian options.
At Niagara Falls there are several Indian restaurants, where passengers can choose from.

Departure information, including time and location, is listed in the “Departure And Return Details” section of the tour itinerary. There is a link to a map online as well. Also, e-Ticket will include full pick-up time and location information. Once the booking is done online, you will receive eTicket in your email.

We appreciate our customers feedback. Once you complete the tour, TakeTours will send you an email regarding your travel experience. By submitting a review or photo taken during the trip, you will be able to earn 100 points.
How do I redeem my loyalty points?
Simply log in to your TakeTours account and select the product you wish to buy. Add the product to your shopping cart to see how many points are needed to purchase it. If you have enough points to purchase the product, select "yes" to pay by points.

Taketours/Gotobus is a complete online travel company and uses a completely secure and automated booking system, therefore we can only accept bookings made online, using an authorized and valid credit card/debit card (visa,mastercard and amex)and paypal, check (by fax or mail) and money order (by mail).

All the tour available dates are listed online under "Departure Date" drop-down menu. As long as you can select the date online and complete the booking, that means that date is available. You can also refer to the calendar. All the available dates are shown in blue color.
The tour gets sold out fast so we encourage to book the tour in advance.

For local tours, please arrive at the pick-up location stated on your eTicket 20 minutes in advance. The tour bus will have the name of the trip placed on the bus front window.
For tours with airport pick up. Airport greet and meet: Your tour escort will be wearing a yellow uniform and holding a sign with your name. Domestic arrivals, your tour escort will wait at the baggage claim area/outside of the arrival's (restricted) area. International arrivals, your tour escort will wait just outside of customs exit.

No. You do not. E-Ticket will be automatically emailed to you after you complete your booking online. All you need to do is to bring a valid picture ID along with a printout of eTicket you receive to board the scheduled bus.

You will find an electronic brochure for each tour on our website describing all activities and itineraries. Printed brochures are not available. If you do not find adequate information about a tour on our website, please contact our online help.
Contact customer support

If you want to cancel this tour, you can see the tour's cancellation policy on the same itinerary page. To complete the cancellation policy, you can e-mail to support@taketours.com. Your refund request will be answered and processed promptly. If you do not receive any reply, that means your request is not processed. Please contact us immediately.

Customer Q & As

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